The Risks of Party & Club Drugs

Bars, nightclubs, parties, raves, and festivals often have high levels of recreational drug use, with many people turning to substances for a heightened experience. Among these are “club drugs” or “party drugs,” which include a range of substances commonly used in these environments. While these drugs are associated with fun and euphoria, they carry significant risks, including the potential for addiction, overdose, and other long-term health issues.

What Are Club or Party Drugs?

Club or party drugs refer to substances typically used in nightlife settings like bars, clubs, and festivals. These drugs vary widely in their effects and can include stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and dissociatives.^1,2,4 Party drugs are usually taken to enhance mood, energy, or social interaction, but their unpredictable nature, especially when combined with other substances, makes them particularly dangerous.

Club drugs can include both legal and illicit substances, ranging from prescription medications misused recreationally to illicit street drugs.¹ The variety of these drugs means their effects and dangers can differ greatly, making them highly unpredictable​.

Types of Club Drugs

Club drugs encompass a wide range of substances, each with unique effects on the body and mind. Some common club drugs include:^1,2,3,4

• Cocaine (stimulant)
• Ecstasy/MDMA/Molly (stimulant and hallucinogen)
• LSD (hallucinogen)
• Psilocybin mushrooms (hallucinogen)
• Ketamine (dissociative)
• GHB (CNS Depressant)
• Rohypnol (date-rape drug)

These drugs can be dangerous on their own, but the risks increase when they are used together or with alcohol. Additionally, drugs like GHB and Rohypnol are sometimes used to incapacitate individuals, leading to dangerous situations such as sexual assault.^1,3

Effects of Club Drugs

The effects of club drugs vary depending on the type of substance used:

• Stimulants (cocaine, MDMA): These drugs increase energy, euphoria, and sociability. However, they can also cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dehydration, and a risk of heart attack or stroke​.²
• Hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms): Hallucinogens alter perception, causing users to see or feel things that aren’t real. While some people seek these experiences, they can lead to confusion, paranoia, and lasting psychological trauma​.⁵
• Dissociatives (ketamine): Dissociatives cause a sense of detachment from reality. They may also impair motor function, cause confusion, and increase the risk of injury​.²
• Depressants (GHB, Rohypnol): Depressants slow down brain activity, causing relaxation or sleepiness. In higher doses, they can cause unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and overdose​.²

Dangers of Club Drugs

One of the biggest risks of club drugs is their unpredictable nature. Since these drugs are often illicit, there is no regulation over their production, meaning they may be cut or mixed with other substances, such as fentanyl, which dramatically increases the risk of overdose​.⁶ Additionally, the potency of these drugs can vary widely depending on the source.

Many club drugs are also used in combination with alcohol or other substances, further increasing the likelihood of harmful interactions and overdose. In some cases, people may use substances like GHB or Rohypnol to drug others without their knowledge, leading to dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations​.^1,2,4

Are Club Drugs Addictive?

Yes, many club drugs can be addictive. The addictive potential depends on the type of drug, the frequency of use, and the individual’s susceptibility to addiction.² For example, stimulants like cocaine can lead to physical dependence, while hallucinogens may cause psychological addiction​. Party drugs that are laced or combined with other substances can further increase the risk of dependence or addiction.³ Regardless of the drug, repeated use can lead to harmful patterns of behavior and severe health consequences.

Fortunately, treatment is available for those struggling with addiction to club drugs. Through a combination of therapy, medical intervention, and support, individuals can break free from the cycle of addiction and regain control over their lives​.

Addiction Treatment in Atlanta

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available at Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta. We offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs and can support you from detox all the way to outpatient treatment and aftercare. Our team provides individualized treatment plans to address the specific needs of each client, with a focus on long-term recovery and support.

Whether you’re seeking immediate help or want more information about our programs, we encourage you to reach out to our rehab admissions team. They can verify your insurance coverage, discuss payment options, or help you learn more about getting started with treatment at our rehab in Atlanta​.

References

1. MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Club Drugs. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/clubdrugs.html
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2011). Effects of Club Drugs. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135986/
3. American Academy of Family Physicians. (2018, July 15). Club Drugs: What You Should Know. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/0715/p85-s1.html
4. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.). Health Topics: Club Drugs. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/health-topics/club-drugs
5. Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Hallucinogens Factsheet. U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/hallucinogens
6. Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Facts About Fentanyl. U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl